Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He was baseball’s worst hitter two years ago, in his mind.

His story: He moved from catcher to third base after Scott Sizemore got hurt in spring training, made the Opening Day roster and hit .094 in nine games, earning a demotion to the minors. He was back for 19 more games and hit .182, again sent to the minors. In mid-August, he got another shot and gained a better understanding of the strike zone, hitting .290 in 47 games. He broke out last season and finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.

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Josh Donaldson

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He was baseball’s worst hitter two years ago, in his mind.

His story: He moved from catcher to third base after Scott Sizemore got hurt in spring training, made the Opening Day roster and hit .094 in nine games, earning a demotion to the minors. He was back for 19 more games and hit .182, again sent to the minors. In mid-August, he got another shot and gained a better understanding of the strike zone, hitting .290 in 47 games. He broke out last season and finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.

Josh Donaldson

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014...All-Star because: He was baseball’s worst hitter two years ago,...in his mind.

His story: He moved from catcher to...third base after Scott Sizemore got hurt in spring training, made the...Opening Day roster and hit .094 in nine games, earning a demotion to...the minors. He was back for 19 more games and hit .182, again sent to...the minors. In mid-August, he got another shot and gained a better...understanding of the strike zone, hitting .290 in 47 games. He broke...out last season and finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.

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Special to The Chronicle

His numbers: 4.5 WAR, second highest among AL position players behind Mike Trout. Trailed only Trout last year (9.2-8.0). Fifth in the league in go-ahead RBIs (17).

His words: “I remember we were in San Francisco, I looked up at the board and Barry Zito had a better batting average than I did. My time (in the majors) was very short and sweet, and I thought I was done in the organization. It was a pretty crazy year for me in 2012, going from the worst player in baseball to holding my own. It’s about getting that opportunity at the right time, and I think the switch to third base definitely helped.”

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His numbers: 4.5 WAR, second highest among AL position players behind Mike Trout. Trailed only Trout last year (9.2-8.0). Fifth in the league in go-ahead RBIs (17).

His words: “I remember we were in San Francisco, I looked up at the board and Barry Zito had a better batting average than I did. My time (in the majors) was very short and sweet, and I thought I was done in the organization. It was a pretty crazy year for me in 2012, going from the worst player in baseball to holding my own. It’s about getting that opportunity at the right time, and I think the switch to third base definitely helped.”

His numbers: 4.5 WAR, second highest among AL position...players behind Mike Trout. Trailed only Trout last year (9.2-8.0)....Fifth in the league in go-ahead RBIs (17).

His...words: “I remember we were in San Francisco, I looked up at the...board and Barry Zito had a better batting average than I did. My time...(in the majors) was very short and sweet, and I thought I was done in...the organization. It was a pretty crazy year for me in 2012, going...from the worst player in baseball to holding my own. It’s about...getting that opportunity at the right time, and I think the switch to...third base definitely helped.”

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Getty Images

Sean Doolittle

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: A hitting prospect-turned-pitcher-turned-All-Star? Really?

His story: Doolittle had his dream to play first base in the majors dashed because of knee and wrist injuries. In 2011, director of player development Keith Lieppman converted him to a pitcher, which he also was at Virginia, setting school records in both RBIs and wins. Soon, he was clocked at 97 mph and began building a repertoire. Minor-league rehab coordinator Garvin Alston said the lefty “can be an impact reliever, and very soon.” Doolittle was an A’s setup man in June 2012, completing a swift makeover.

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Sean Doolittle

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: A hitting prospect-turned-pitcher-turned-All-Star? Really?

His story: Doolittle had his dream to play first base in the majors dashed because of knee and wrist injuries. In 2011, director of player development Keith Lieppman converted him to a pitcher, which he also was at Virginia, setting school records in both RBIs and wins. Soon, he was clocked at 97 mph and began building a repertoire. Minor-league rehab coordinator Garvin Alston said the lefty “can be an impact reliever, and very soon.” Doolittle was an A’s setup man in June 2012, completing a swift makeover.

Sean Doolittle

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014...All-Star because: A hitting...prospect-turned-pitcher-turned-All-Star? Really?

His...story: Doolittle had his dream to play first base in the majors...dashed because of knee and wrist injuries. In 2011, director of player...development Keith Lieppman converted him to a pitcher, which he also...was at Virginia, setting school records in both RBIs and wins. Soon,...he was clocked at 97 mph and began building a repertoire. Minor-league...rehab coordinator Garvin Alston said the lefty “can be an impact...reliever, and very soon.” Doolittle was an A’s setup man in June...2012, completing a swift makeover.

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Associated Press

His numbers: 63 strikeouts, two walks. K-to-BB ratio of 31.5-1 is highest in majors. No. 2 is Joaquin Soria, 10-1. Of his pitches, 74.6 percent (455 of 610) have been strikes, highest percentage in majors. First in modern era to strike out at least 45 batters before issuing second walk.

His words: “From the very beginning, I looked at it as the last opportunity for me to extend my career because I had so many injuries. It was a surprisingly smooth transition. A lot of weight I added as a position player allowed me to repeat my mechanics more consistently as a pitcher and realize I don’t have to try to throw every pitch as hard as I can. That kept me under control, and I was able to throw a lot of strikes right away.”

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His numbers: 63 strikeouts, two walks. K-to-BB ratio of 31.5-1 is highest in majors. No. 2 is Joaquin Soria, 10-1. Of his pitches, 74.6 percent (455 of 610) have been strikes, highest percentage in majors. First in modern era to strike out at least 45 batters before issuing second walk.

His words: “From the very beginning, I looked at it as the last opportunity for me to extend my career because I had so many injuries. It was a surprisingly smooth transition. A lot of weight I added as a position player allowed me to repeat my mechanics more consistently as a pitcher and realize I don’t have to try to throw every pitch as hard as I can. That kept me under control, and I was able to throw a lot of strikes right away.”

His numbers: 63 strikeouts, two walks. K-to-BB ratio of 31.5-1...is highest in majors. No. 2 is Joaquin Soria, 10-1. Of his pitches,...74.6 percent (455 of 610) have been strikes, highest percentage in...majors. First in modern era to strike out at least 45 batters before...issuing second walk.

His words: “From the very...beginning, I looked at it as the last opportunity for me to extend my...career because I had so many injuries. It was a surprisingly smooth...transition. A lot of weight I added as a position player allowed me to...repeat my mechanics more consistently as a pitcher and realize I...don’t have to try to throw every pitch as hard as I can. That kept...me under control, and I was able to throw a lot of strikes right...away.”

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Associated Press

Scott Kazmir

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He was in independent ball two years ago, for goodness sakes.

His story: From a two-time All-Star and strikeout champion to jobless at 27, having lost his velocity and command. He turned to the independent Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters and went 3-6 with a 5.34 ERA in 14 starts. He went to winter ball and showed enough life to earn a minor-league deal with the Indians before the 2013 season. He had such an impressive second half with Cleveland, improving his velocity and widening his repertoire, that the A’s gave him $22 million over two years.

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Scott Kazmir

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He was in independent ball two years ago, for goodness sakes.

His story: From a two-time All-Star and strikeout champion to jobless at 27, having lost his velocity and command. He turned to the independent Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters and went 3-6 with a 5.34 ERA in 14 starts. He went to winter ball and showed enough life to earn a minor-league deal with the Indians before the 2013 season. He had such an impressive second half with Cleveland, improving his velocity and widening his repertoire, that the A’s gave him $22 million over two years.

Scott Kazmir

Wasn’t expected to be a 2014 All-Star...because: He was in independent ball two years ago, for goodness...sakes.

His story: From a two-time All-Star and...strikeout champion to jobless at 27, having lost his velocity and...command. He turned to the independent Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters and...went 3-6 with a 5.34 ERA in 14 starts. He went to winter ball and...showed enough life to earn a minor-league deal with the Indians before...the 2013 season. He had such an impressive second half with Cleveland,...improving his velocity and widening his repertoire, that the A’s...gave him $22 million over two years.

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Associated Press

His numbers: Third in league in ERA (2.38) and WHIP (0.98), trailing Chris Sale and Felix Hernandez in both. Joins Mark Mulder and Barry Zito as the only A’s lefties in 29 years to reach 10 wins before the break. Strikeout-to-walk ratio (4-1) best of his career. Past five home starts: 5-0, 1.00 ERA.

His words: “I always feel like I’m going to have a chip on my shoulder from now on after everything that kind of went on and getting back. I’m always going to feel like I have something to prove.”

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His numbers: Third in league in ERA (2.38) and WHIP (0.98), trailing Chris Sale and Felix Hernandez in both. Joins Mark Mulder and Barry Zito as the only A’s lefties in 29 years to reach 10 wins before the break. Strikeout-to-walk ratio (4-1) best of his career. Past five home starts: 5-0, 1.00 ERA.

His words: “I always feel like I’m going to have a chip on my shoulder from now on after everything that kind of went on and getting back. I’m always going to feel like I have something to prove.”

His numbers: Third in league in ERA (2.38) and WHIP (0.98),...trailing Chris Sale and Felix Hernandez in both. Joins Mark Mulder and...Barry Zito as the only A’s lefties in 29 years to reach 10 wins...before the break. Strikeout-to-walk ratio (4-1) best of his career....Past five home starts: 5-0, 1.00 ERA.

His words: “I...always feel like I’m going to have a chip on my shoulder from now on...after everything that kind of went on and getting back. I’m always...going to feel like I have something to prove.”

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Associated Press

Yoenis Céspedes

Wasn't expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He wasn't even good enough to play on Cuba's top teams, supposedly.

His story: His father, Cresencio Céspedes, was a catcher in Cuba and separated from his mother, Estela Milanés, when Yoenis was an infant. She was a star softball pitcher and made her son's first bat out of a tree branch and polished it with glass. He went on to play eight seasons in the Cuban winter league and made it big internationally in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, hitting .458 in eight games. But somehow he was assigned to Cuba's third team, accelerating his defection. The A's signed him for $36 million over four years, a then-record contract for a Cuban defector. He eventually was reunited with family members, including his mother, who took a long and dangerous journey to the U.S.

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Yoenis Céspedes

Wasn't expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: He wasn't even good enough to play on Cuba's top teams, supposedly.

His story: His father, Cresencio Céspedes, was a catcher in Cuba and separated from his mother, Estela Milanés, when Yoenis was an infant. She was a star softball pitcher and made her son's first bat out of a tree branch and polished it with glass. He went on to play eight seasons in the Cuban winter league and made it big internationally in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, hitting .458 in eight games. But somehow he was assigned to Cuba's third team, accelerating his defection. The A's signed him for $36 million over four years, a then-record contract for a Cuban defector. He eventually was reunited with family members, including his mother, who took a long and dangerous journey to the U.S.

Yoenis Céspedes

Wasn't expected to be a 2014...All-Star because: He wasn't even good enough to play on Cuba's top...teams, supposedly.

His story: His father, Cresencio...Céspedes, was a catcher in Cuba and separated from his mother, Estela...Milanés, when Yoenis was an infant. She was a star softball pitcher...and made her son's first bat out of a tree branch and polished it with...glass. He went on to play eight seasons in the Cuban winter league and...made it big internationally in the 2009 World Baseball Classic,...hitting .458 in eight games. But somehow he was assigned to Cuba's...third team, accelerating his defection. The A's signed him for $36...million over four years, a then-record contract for a Cuban defector....He eventually was reunited with family members, including his mother,...who took a long and dangerous journey to the U.S.

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Getty Images

His numbers: 63 homers in 2 1/2 seasons. Won last year's Home Run Derby with 32, tied for third most in the event's history. Majors-high 11 outfield assists. Average in 10 Division Series games: .350.

His words: "I'm playing the best baseball in the world, and I can help my family in any way I want to."

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His numbers: 63 homers in 2 1/2 seasons. Won last year's Home Run Derby with 32, tied for third most in the event's history. Majors-high 11 outfield assists. Average in 10 Division Series games: .350.

His words: "I'm playing the best baseball in the world, and I can help my family in any way I want to."

His numbers: 63 homers in 2 1/2 seasons. Won last year's Home...Run Derby with 32, tied for third most in the event's history....Majors-high 11 outfield assists. Average in 10 Division Series games:....350.

His words: "I'm playing the best baseball in the...world, and I can help my family in any way I want to."

His story: Didn't work out in Boston, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. They kept trying to change his approach at the plate, and make him use all fields. The A's told him to be himself, that it was OK to be dead pull. Moss, a grip-it-and-rip-it connoisseur, took it from there. A platoon player at first. Now he plays every day, proving he can hit for average against lefties while most of his power is generated against righties.

His story: Didn't work out in Boston, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. They kept trying to change his approach at the plate, and make him use all fields. The A's told him to be himself, that it was OK to be dead pull. Moss, a grip-it-and-rip-it connoisseur, took it from there. A platoon player at first. Now he plays every day, proving he can hit for average against lefties while most of his power is generated against righties.

His story:...Didn't work out in Boston, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. They kept...trying to change his approach at the plate, and make him use all...fields. The A's told him to be himself, that it was OK to be dead...pull. Moss, a grip-it-and-rip-it connoisseur, took it from there. A...platoon player at first. Now he plays every day, proving he can hit...for average against lefties while most of his power is generated...against righties.

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Associated Press

His numbers: Tied for second in majors with 35 homers since last year's All-Star break, behind Edwin Encarnacion (37) and with Giancarlo Stanton (35). Tied for second in RBIs with 109, behind Miguel Cabrera (117) and with Paul Goldschmidt (109). With a lot fewer plate appearances than anyone ahead of him.

His words: "No one really wanted to see what it was I did well. They want you to do the, quote unquote, right thing. Hit line drives. Hit the ball the other way. Put the ball in play. My swing doesn't work that way. Chili (Davis, A's batting coach) gave me confidence. It was no longer about being somebody else, but about me being who I was."

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His numbers: Tied for second in majors with 35 homers since last year's All-Star break, behind Edwin Encarnacion (37) and with Giancarlo Stanton (35). Tied for second in RBIs with 109, behind Miguel Cabrera (117) and with Paul Goldschmidt (109). With a lot fewer plate appearances than anyone ahead of him.

His words: "No one really wanted to see what it was I did well. They want you to do the, quote unquote, right thing. Hit line drives. Hit the ball the other way. Put the ball in play. My swing doesn't work that way. Chili (Davis, A's batting coach) gave me confidence. It was no longer about being somebody else, but about me being who I was."

His numbers: Tied for second in majors with 35 homers since...last year's All-Star break, behind Edwin Encarnacion (37) and with...Giancarlo Stanton (35). Tied for second in RBIs with 109, behind...Miguel Cabrera (117) and with Paul Goldschmidt (109). With a lot fewer...plate appearances than anyone ahead of him.

His words:..."No one really wanted to see what it was I did well. They want you to...do the, quote unquote, right thing. Hit line drives. Hit the ball the...other way. Put the ball in play. My swing doesn't work that way. Chili...(Davis, A's batting coach) gave me confidence. It was no longer about...being somebody else, but about me being who I was."

His story: Shares his job with John Jaso and Stephen Vogt so he's without enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting race. Acquired from Washington in December 2011 and burst into the majors in 2012, eventually taking over for catcher Kurt Suzuki, who was traded. One reason his stats are better this year, he said, is because he came to grips with not being in the lineup every day.

His story: Shares his job with John Jaso and Stephen Vogt so he's without enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting race. Acquired from Washington in December 2011 and burst into the majors in 2012, eventually taking over for catcher Kurt Suzuki, who was traded. One reason his stats are better this year, he said, is because he came to grips with not being in the lineup every day.

His story: Shares his job with John Jaso...and Stephen Vogt so he's without enough plate appearances to qualify...for the batting race. Acquired from Washington in December 2011 and...burst into the majors in 2012, eventually taking over for catcher Kurt...Suzuki, who was traded. One reason his stats are better this year, he...said, is because he came to grips with not being in the lineup every...day.

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Associated Press

His numbers: Among AL hitters with 200-plus plate appearances, only he and Jose Bautista have on-base percentages topping .400. Highest slugging percentage (.467) among AL catchers. Six of eight homers have come with at least two men on base.

His words: "That's the biggest change for me this year. Whenever I wasn't in there, I was a little upset. I'm still a little upset, but instead of taking the negative route, it's, 'OK, get ready for your chance.' Just because you don't start, you can still be an impact player in the game with a pinch hit or whatever."

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His numbers: Among AL hitters with 200-plus plate appearances, only he and Jose Bautista have on-base percentages topping .400. Highest slugging percentage (.467) among AL catchers. Six of eight homers have come with at least two men on base.

His words: "That's the biggest change for me this year. Whenever I wasn't in there, I was a little upset. I'm still a little upset, but instead of taking the negative route, it's, 'OK, get ready for your chance.' Just because you don't start, you can still be an impact player in the game with a pinch hit or whatever."

His numbers: Among AL hitters with 200-plus plate appearances,...only he and Jose Bautista have on-base percentages topping .400....Highest slugging percentage (.467) among AL catchers. Six of eight...homers have come with at least two men on base.

His words:..."That's the biggest change for me this year. Whenever I wasn't in...there, I was a little upset. I'm still a little upset, but instead of...taking the negative route, it's, 'OK, get ready for your chance.' Just...because you don't start, you can still be an impact player in the game...with a pinch hit or whatever."

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Associated Press

Jeff Samardzija

Wasn't expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: Well, he wasn't expected to be an A's All-Star, anyway.

His story: The All-America wide receiver from Notre Dame seemed more destined for a Pro Bowl but settled on baseball after getting drafted by the Cubs. He would have been on the National League All-Star team except for his Independence Day trade to Oakland. Now he's in the A's rotation, along with fellow ex-Cub Jason Hammel, keys to the team's quest for a third straight division title and a deeper run in the playoffs, after consecutive first-round knockouts.

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Jeff Samardzija

Wasn't expected to be a 2014 All-Star because: Well, he wasn't expected to be an A's All-Star, anyway.

His story: The All-America wide receiver from Notre Dame seemed more destined for a Pro Bowl but settled on baseball after getting drafted by the Cubs. He would have been on the National League All-Star team except for his Independence Day trade to Oakland. Now he's in the A's rotation, along with fellow ex-Cub Jason Hammel, keys to the team's quest for a third straight division title and a deeper run in the playoffs, after consecutive first-round knockouts.

Jeff Samardzija

Wasn't expected to be a 2014...All-Star because: Well, he wasn't expected to be an A's All-Star,...anyway.

His story: The All-America wide receiver...from Notre Dame seemed more destined for a Pro Bowl but settled on...baseball after getting drafted by the Cubs. He would have been on the...National League All-Star team except for his Independence Day trade to...Oakland. Now he's in the A's rotation, along with fellow ex-Cub Jason...Hammel, keys to the team's quest for a third straight division title...and a deeper run in the playoffs, after consecutive first-round...knockouts.

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Getty Images

His numbers: Combined Cubs-A's 1.138 WHIP lowest in his career. Went 0-4 in his first 10 starts as a Cub despite a 1.46 ERA. Received two or fewer runs of support in 11 of 17 Cubs starts, including zero five times. Received a whopping three runs of support in first A's start.

His words: "I'm right where I need to be, man. I'm excited. I've been begging for this for a while, situation-wise, where you come in excited to win games, being more worried about the game than which guys are going to be here in the future."

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His numbers: Combined Cubs-A's 1.138 WHIP lowest in his career. Went 0-4 in his first 10 starts as a Cub despite a 1.46 ERA. Received two or fewer runs of support in 11 of 17 Cubs starts, including zero five times. Received a whopping three runs of support in first A's start.

His words: "I'm right where I need to be, man. I'm excited. I've been begging for this for a while, situation-wise, where you come in excited to win games, being more worried about the game than which guys are going to be here in the future."

His numbers: Combined Cubs-A's 1.138 WHIP lowest in his career....Went 0-4 in his first 10 starts as a Cub despite a 1.46 ERA. Received...two or fewer runs of support in 11 of 17 Cubs starts, including zero...five times. Received a whopping three runs of support in first A's...start.

His words: "I'm right where I need to be, man....I'm excited. I've been begging for this for a while, situation-wise,...where you come in excited to win games, being more worried about the...game than which guys are going to be here in the future."

MINNEAPOLIS — The A’s are a regional story no more. With seven All-Stars descending on this city, the national media will seek the scoop on what makes the majors’ best team tick, particularly the characters chosen to Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Target Field.

We’re here to help.

None of them was supposed to be here, for some reason or another. They were either overlooked, forgotten or in a setting that by no means was opportunistic for a ticket to the big leagues, let alone the All-Star Game.

For the most part, they were long shots with long stories. Here are the quick versions.